Living in Arizona or New Mexico means dealing with blazing hot summers and cool winters. That’s why proper insulation is so important. It keeps your home comfortable year-round and helps lower your energy bills an average of 15%. When it comes to choosing the right insulation for your home, fiberglass insulation is a popular choice. It’s moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, and offers good soundproofing, making it a strong option overall.
Two of the most common forms of fiberglass are fiberglass batts and loose fill fiberglass (also called blown-in fiberglass). In this post, we’ll compare both and help you decide which insulation is right for your desert home.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Batt insulation comes in precut panels or rolls that fit between wall studs, floor joists, or attic rafters. It’s one of the most familiar insulation options and is often a go-to for home improvement projects.
Pros
- DIY-friendly and quick to install
- Maintains consistent thickness for a reliable R-value
- A versatile choice for walls, ceilings, attics, and even floors
- Doesn’t settle over time
- Very inexpensive to install
Cons
- Gaps may appear around pipes or wiring
- Needs an additional air-sealing step
- Requires protective gear for installation
- Has a lower R-value per square inch requiring more product
A big benefit of batt insulation is its versatility. It can be installed in many parts of your home, such as the attic, walls, and floors, and still meet ENERGY STAR’s recommended R-values, if it’s installed properly with no gaps.
Loose Fill Fiberglass Insulation
Loose fill fiberglass, also known as blown-in insulation, is made up of small shreds of fiberglass that are blown into place with special equipment. It’s especially good for attic insulation.
Pros
- Fills around obstacles like wires, vents, and pipes
- Great for upgrading existing insulation
- Quick and easy for professionals to install
- Lightweight and resists settling
Cons
- Needs special machinery
- Installation is messier
- Must be blown to the right depth to meet R-values
- Slight settling may occur over time
- Can be cumbersome and can’t be easily replaced
Blown-in fiberglass works well in tricky spaces and can be added on top of older batt insulation. It’s also the best choice for attics with odd shapes or hard-to-reach areas.
Climate Considerations for Arizona and New Mexico
In a desert climate like ours, the Department of Energy recommends attic R-values between R-38 and R-60. With low humidity and a lessened risk of mold growth, fiberglass insulation performs extremely well here.
Loose fill fiberglass is great for:
- Irregular-shaped or complex attics
- Adding insulation to older homes
- Covering every inch without gaps
- Eliminating thermal bypasses in complex spaces
Fiberglass batts are better suited for:
- New construction projects with open cavities
- Simpler layouts
- Budget-friendly or DIY-friendly jobs for smaller areas
Either type of insulation works in the desert heat to help create an energy-efficient home if installed correctly.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Performance
- Seal all air leaks before any insulation installation.
- Meet recommended R-values for your area.
- Ensure proper installation techniques because a bad install reduces performance.
- Consider complementary solutions like attic ventilation and radiant barriers to boost results.
- Look for utility rebates and tax incentives to save money.
FAQs
Can you add loose fill over batts?
Yes! Adding blown-in fiberglass on top of fiberglass batts is common and effective.
Which costs more?
Loose fill fiberglass often costs more due to equipment and professional labor, but it saves more energy in complex spaces.
How do I know if I have enough insulation?
Check the depth of insulation in your attic. If it’s below the recommended R-value, you’re likely losing energy and money.
Hire a Trusted Insulation Contractor
Fiberglass insulation is a top choice for its cost, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. It contains up to 60% recycled material and offers strong thermal performance with resistance to moisture and fire.
Regardless of which type of fiberglass you choose to use, batt or loose fill, it’s always wisest to have your insulation installed by professionals for the best results. At Banker Insulation, homeowners, builders, and contractors have counted on our expert team for high quality insulation installation since 1977. With 18 locations across Arizona and New Mexico, we’re here to serve your insulating needs too. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and improve your Arizona or New Mexico home’s comfort and efficiency with fiberglass insulation.
References
“Keeping Homes and Cities Cool in Extreme Heat.” University of Arizona News, https://news.arizona.edu/news/keeping-homes-and-cities-cool-extreme-heat.
“Three Unique Advantages of Fiberglass Insulation for Arizona and New Mexico Homes.” Banker Insulation, https://insulationestimates.com/blog/three-unique-advantages-of-fiberglass-insulation-for-arizona-and-new-mexico-homes/.
“Insulation Rebate.” Salt River Project (SRP), https://www.srpnet.com/energy-savings-rebates/home/rebates/insulation.
“Quick Tips for Insulation Installation.” Banker Insulation, https://insulationestimates.com/blog/quick-tips-for-insulation-installation/.
“Energy Savings by Insulation.” Arizona State University Energy Efficiency Center, https://eec.asu.edu/2023/07/11/energy-savings-by-insulation/.
“Insulation Rebate.” Arizona Public Service (APS), https://www.aps.com/en/Residential/Save-Money-and-Energy/Your-Energy-Your-Options/Rebates/Insulation-Rebate.
“Types of Insulation.” U.S. Dept. of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/types-insulation.
“Recommended Home Insulation R-Values.” Energy Star. https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/identify-problems-you-want-fix/diy-checks-inspections/insulation-r-values.